Deadline looming for Nelson Algren short story competition

Nelson Ahlgren award is accepting submissions through the end of January.

January 28, 2017 at 12:06AM
(The Minnesota Star Tribune)

I do not often write about upcoming competitions because there are so many. But the Nelson Algren Short Story competition is such a good one--NO entry fee, cash award, sponsored by a great newspaper (the Chicago Tribune) and a storied history (past winners include Louise Erdrich and Stuart Dybek) that I am making an exception in this case.

The deadline is coming right up, so hurry!

Here are the details in a nutshell (click on link to get the full requirements):

1. Story length: 8,000 words.

2. Format: double-spaced, no identifying information on any pages.

3. Submission limit: two stories, not previously published.

4. Fee: None.

5. Prizes: $3,500 for winner, other amounts for four finalists and five runners-up.

6. How to submit: go through Submittable. https://algren.submittable.com/submit

7. Deadline: Jan. 31.

That's it! Good luck! I hope the winner is a Minnesotan so I can write about them when the time comes.

about the writer

about the writer

Laurie Hertzel

Senior Editor

Freelance writer and former Star Tribune books editor Laurie Hertzel is at lauriehertzel@gmail.com.

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